Broken

Second Circle Tattoos #2

by Scarlett Cole

All things, when placed under pressure, eventually break or leave a mark.

Tattoo artist Brody "Cujo" Matthews knows how to keep things simple. In life and in love. Abandoned as a child by a mother who refused to stick around to raise three boys she didn't want, he's intent on staying clear of complicated women. The only things complicated in Cujo's life are the killer tattoos he designs and inks. That all changes when he's asked to help organize his best friend Trent's engagement party, which means working with Trent's fiancee's best friend, Drea, the definition of high maintenance and sizzling curves. And the one woman he doesn't want to walk away from.

Andrea "Drea" Caron is broke and tired. After years of caring for her ailing mom, she's at the end of her rope trying to manage the piling medical bills, two jobs, and a life placed on hold. She certainly doesn't need the added frustration of a sexy playboy tattoo artist messing up her best friend's engagement party or her carefully balanced life. But when Drea witnesses the abduction of a woman from the cafe she works at, she can't help but turn to Cujo who's determined to prove to Drea that he's someone she can count on forever...but as they attempt to bring the truth to light, someone is working to bring that forever to a sudden, deadly halt.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Suspense, Adult, Ebooks

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2016

About the author

Four-time RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole, is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency) who calls both Toronto, Canada and Manchester, England home. A born city dweller, she periodically quashes the urge to live in the country by hiking up a mountain to remind herself that living away from people would terrify the pants off her.

She believes everybody deserves their love story to be told and loves her heroes on the rough and rugged side…and usually tall (because she married one of those 6ft 6” men you read about in romance!). She’s an A-type personality and Scorpio star sign, so good luck getting her to do anything she doesn’t want to.

When she isn’t writing, she’s happy to talk hot men and expensive shoes while drinking a cold gin and tonic. Don’t bring up olives. As far as Scarlett is concerned, they are the devil’s food. As long as you don’t bring up olives, she’s happy to hear from any time.

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If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
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Reviews

[Sleepless Readmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pain that you've been feeling
can't compare to the joy that is coming.

4 #HandsOutOfTheCakeCase STARS

Cujo and Drea ♥

Don't put your hand in my cake case.
Are you flirting with me, Drea?
Because that sounded like a euphemism.

We'd date. We'd laugh. We'd fight.
We'd have fucking off-the-charts make-up sex.
What makes you think it would be off the charts?
When it feels this good without even touching
you, how could it not be?

And how you got me blind is still a mystery
I can't get you out of my head ..►♫

So when I read the first novel in this series I was BLOWN away! I had high expectations for this one however this one sadly didn't live up to the first. I was looking forward to Cujo and Drea story after they were introduced in the first novel. The chemistry between these two was definitely #OffTheCharts and I loved the build up. Then came the suspense with a whole lot of WHAT ?! HOW?! WHO!? .. In my opinion it got a LITTLE too messy and unrealistic! I became lost and thinking that I could do without all the drama. The plot wasn't horrible by all means however it just needed some work and couldn't compare to the first. As for the characters .. they were rather enjoyable. I can honestly say I did love the dialogue .. had me feeling all sorts and definitely quotable. The writing was strong in the beginning although at points I became less captivated. Even though this novel didn't meet all my expectations I'm hoping the next one will be and am looking forward to it!

I don't care who you are
Where you're from
What you did
As long as you love me ..►♫

Tears filled his eyes. What the fuck just happened.
Because it felt a lot like he just let the best thing
that ever happened to him walk out of his life.

I never understood the whole
wanting-somebody-so-much-it-hurt thing,
he said, his breath catching on the last word.
But Drea, baby, I'm hurting.

The Fractured Heart Scarlett Cole

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** 4.5 Stars!!!!****

This is book two in the "Second Circle Tattoos" series, and I have gotta say that I have fallen in love with yet another "new" author for me... I have been on a roll lately with trying out author's whom I haven't heard of before, and loving their books! In this case, the series revolves around a tattoo shop and the people who work there. This installment was about co-owner of the shop; Cujo..aka...Brody Matthews. He has been friends with Trent, ( the other owner of the shop) for years, and they share a brotherly kind of bond. Cujo has agreed to help with Trent's engagement party, and he needs to get together with a firecracker of a woman named Drea Canon, to get the party on the go.

Both Drea and Cujo have major emotional baggage, and they are quite prickly about it. I am going to say that Drea is way more feisty than Cujo, but when he is pushed into a corner; he can be a handful too. I totally fell in love with these two though. The bond that develops was so deep and special...and I have got to say the author did an awesome job of making their relationship growth very realistic considering the issues these two had to work through.

This book included danger, mystery, laughter, tears, romance, and friendship...oh, and some majorly hot sex!! Seriously, it had everything and I stayed up very late into the night because I was engrossed in their story! I am very eager to continue on with this series, and then to move on to the spin off series that I know is coming after this one!!! Books like these are why I love to read!!!

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!!!
*Amazon US*Amazon UK*Barnes & Noble*

I have no shame in the fact that I stalked NetGalley to see if this book was going to be added, and then requested it the second I saw it. After reading The Strongest Steel I was just too impatient to wait for this book.



The Fractured Heart starts off where the first book stopped, with Harper and Trent away and Cujo and Drea planning their engagement party. The two are constantly going against each other and having a hard time deciding on what to do with the party since they both have such different idea's. They're complete opposites but can agree on at least one thing - their attraction to each other.

Both of their lives get hectic when Drea witnesses a crime that puts her in danger and then Cujo's estranged mother shows back up in his life, and they turn to each other for help. But with their lives being so crazy right now they have to work hard at their new found relationship.



Cujo was hot as hell and this story was steamy! I loved the chemistry that Drea and Cujo had and it really made me love the story. I usually hate when characters don't get together until late in the story but with this book I didn't even realize. There was so much passion jumping off of the pages and the attraction was clear so it didn't bother me that Cujo didn't make his move until close to halfway in.



Sometimes I can get really annoyed when a later book in a series will revisit a previous couple too much, so whenever I read a series I get a little nervous. But that was not the case with this one. Trent and Harper were, of course, part of the story but there wasn't any of that annoying oversharing from those characters. I actually really liked how they were in the story as Drea and Cujo's friends only and not to tell us more about what happened after their own book ended.



The characters were amazing and I loved the strength Drea had. She didn't have the best home life and was taking care of her mom but she never gave up. Even when her mom was being a complete bitch she still continued to take care of her and I really liked that about her. Cujo had a tough childhood after his mother left him and his siblings and it affected him but he pushed through his fears in order to be with Drea. I loved him and he was so sexy and intense. Le sigh.



So why a 4 star rating?
The ending was a little too neat for me. Every thing just fell into place kind of fast and then at the end I was left a little confused about what actually happened. I wanted things to be explained some more but that was my only issue.

Bottom line, read this book! A sexy tattoo artists with a sassy heroine, I mean, who wouldn't want to read that? Then there was the suspense thrown in that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So really, what more is there to ask for?

ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Jayme · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a mess. I totally love Brody and Drea together. They are such a great couple. They argue, laugh, tease each other and practice hot moments in bed. Everything here plays perfectly, but this suspense thread only messed everything.

I understand. This suspense topic, which is responsible for tension, certainly had to turn up the action, make it more interesting and engaging. But sometimes it is even hard to understand, too many characters, too many names, too many complications, improbable events and random solutions to the situation.

What I like most is the love story itself. Cujo and Drea make enough rollercoaster. Their scenes together are charming, wonderful and just perfect. So I am rather sorry that things didn't go well because the couple itself was so entertaining that they don't need this whole suspense background.

“What are the chances we get through today without a fight?”
“We don’t fight,”
“Like hell we don’t,”
“We wouldn’t fight if you just agreed me with me,”
“Drea, we might be the only two people who could fight over whether or not we fight.”

I am, however, very curious about further stories. We will have now Pixie and Dred, but that what I was waiting the most about is book about Reid and Lia. So for sure I will return to this series, regardless of the doubts on this story. The best option is to check it out for yourself.

***Quick Review:***

Series: The second part in the Second Circle Tattoos series. Can be read as a standalone.
Grade/Tag Tabs: Contemporary Romance. Romantic Suspense.
Release Date: January 5th, 2016.
Main characters: Brody "Cujo" Matthews, thirty-two, tattoo artist, co-owner of the Second Circle studio. Andrea "Drea" Caron, twenty-seven, works in coffee shop and takes care of the sick mother.
Secondary characters: A large group of friends, some family. They will be main characters of next parts.
Location: Miami, FL.
Steamy: Some quite a hot scenes. All of them quite typical for this type of grade.
Sensitive topic: Yes. Assault. Death.
Love triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: Yes.

Next in the series? Yes. Book about Pixie and Dred. The Purest Hook , 2016.

***
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. Thank you!

[Joëlle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Update Jan 05 2016 : It's Live !!

*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***

This is the second book in the “Second Circle Tattoos” series and gives us the story of Drea and Brody. They are forced to plan an engagement party for their best friends Harper & Trent. Both have some prejudices to conquer and soon it’s obvious that they feel more for each other. Drea had to give her dreams up when she was only 17 to care for her sick, ungrateful mother. Brody has a loving father and brothers. When he was only 8 years old his mother left them. At the end of a workday at one of Drea’s jobs a woman gets chased by armed men. One of those threatens Drea. They inform the cops but soon she finds out what is happening and start to play detective herself too. This is all I’ll be telling about the story because I don’t want to spoil the rest.

This one had so much potential but unfortunately I was disappointed. There are so many details told about the investigation from the cops and Drea personally but the suspense part lacked in my opinion. It takes till 95% before there is some suspense but it isn’t much. I guess the main goal was a romance but why mention so many details on the environmental investigation then? I also didn’t understand the way Drea handles the threat for herself, her mother, aunt and nephew .. She doesn’t take precautions or inform those around her which could be in danger …

I also know since this is an ARC that it’s normal not all spelling has been checked and this will be fixed before the launch. But there are also some issues with the plot... One example: the internet is down, she decides to use a memory stick to store the files but then she needs information on something and searches for it on the internet. Which internet? Wasn’t it down?

Something else I didn’t like is that there are ‘too many’ coincidental encounters between Drea and people involved in the investigation. Coincidences exist but for me there were too many… But this might be me and maybe you don’t find this strange!

Drea is a very likeable woman but it took me some time to like Brody. He doesn’t always take the right decisions but you feel he means good. I loved the chemistry between them.

What I also loved in this book are some amazing quotes. The one I loved most in my ARC (Maybe it is different in the final version) is:

Be aware it contains a minor spoiler !!

“I never wanted a relationship, but before the cancer, I’d made a decision to never ink this arm randomly. It leads from my wedding ring finger to my heart, and the only person who deserved to be on it was … well, you.”

I do think this book has potential, the story is wonderful, the characters and side characters are likeable but it wasn’t for me…

The third book in this series will be available in Spring 2016 and will bring Pixie (employee at the Ink shop) and Dred’s Story. The first book is about Harper & Trent.

[Dino-Jess ✮ The Book Eating Dinosaur ✮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone has that friend or co-worker who makes a big deal about everything. The train was late, the coffee shop line was long, the thing they bought online isn’t what they thought it would be, every little thing in their life is A MASSIVE DEAL. That is what this book was like.

From page one, it was like getting a drama llama shoved in your face. And when you are allergic to drama llama fur like I am, it becomes tedious, eye roll inducing and ridiculous.

Drea has some drama – her mom is sick and she is working two jobs to help pay for all the medical bills and expenses. She’s never been able to go to college because she’s been the good daughter and has cared for her mom. She comes across as bitter about this at the beginning, thankfully by the end she is a bit less of a whinging bitch, but she sure did make it hard to like and relate to her.

Cujo has some *mysterious* drama that happened when he was younger, plus he has his own mommy issues, can’t seem to reply to text messages in a timely fashion and is pretty much just an all round A-hole.

Add to this, a kidnapping plot and something to do with oil drilling and a cover up by the government and an investigation that went awry (?) I don't understand any of that story line. What the frack is fracking? Who gives a shit? Not me, clearly. and there is just TOO MUCH GOING ON HERE.

I had high hopes for this book. The first installment of this series was wonderful, sure it had it’s issues, but I enjoyed it immensely. This one, not so much.

What especially bothered me was Drea’s stupidity when it came to the investigation. Let the police do their jobs, that is what they get paid for. Don’t be stupid.

This is well written, Scarlett Cole knows how to weave a story together, and she knows about romance, but this story had too many threads going on and as a result this did not feel like a love story. And as this is meant to be a romance novel, that is a fail.

I do have to say though, that the love scenes in this were hot. And the scene with the body paint? Probably one of my favorite love scenes in a while. *fans self*

I’m disappointed in this installment, but I still devoured it in record time and would read the next book. I look forward to Dred and Pixie’s story, if the hints dropped in this one are anything to go by.

Not what I was hoping for, but I am sure this will suit readers who aren’t allergic to drama llama fur like I am.

3 shortcake Stars

Thank you kindly to the publisher for giving me access to an ARC of this bad boy through Netgalley.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want to stay away from you. But I can’t. I just can’t fucking do it.”

3.5 stars, and I’m really liking this series!

The Strongest Steel was such an amazing read, and I have been so excited to get my hands on this follow up book. Cujo and Drea and the best friends of Trent and Harper from book 1, and with antagonistic sparks flying between them from the moment they first met, I knew this one was going to be full of fantastic chemistry.

The book is written in dual POV and we see pretty early on that though they irritate the crap out of each other, there’s an underlying attraction there just simmering away. They’ve been roped into planning an engagement party for their best friends, and that provides the perfect opportunity for them to spend some more time together – arguments and all.

“What are the chances we get through today without a fight?” …
“We don’t fight,” she responded quickly.
“Like hell we don’t,” he laughed, letting her walk in front of him.
“We wouldn’t fight if you just agreed with me,” she threw back over her shoulder.
“Drea, we might be the only two people who could fight over whether or not we fight.”

Cujo and Drea are total opposites, but neither of them can deny that they want each other, but Drea’s life is too complicated for her to allow the sexy tattoo artist in. She is caring for her ailing mother and working two jobs just to make ends meet. She doesn’t have time for romance, and especially a sexy playboy. And Cujo has never been one for relationships. He has been through hell in his life and he intentionally keeps things easy and drama-free, and Drea is the last thing he needs.

But things start to change when Drea witnesses a crime, Cujo is there for her, and when they both get sucked into the unfolding drama, they to turn to each other for support. Cujo feels strangely protective over Drea, and when she opens up to him about her home life, he wants to step in and be there for her in a way that takes him completely by surprise. Sure, they still tick each other off, but it doesn’t take long for things to start to change and holy hell, this book is smouldering with UST!

“It goes like this. We’d date. We’d laugh. We’d fight. We’d have fucking off-the-charts make-up sex.”
Drea shivered as he intended. Short, shallow breaths made her chest heave, causing his cock to harden.
“What makes you think it would be off the charts?” Her voice was barely a whisper.
He leaned toward her, his lips a fraction from her ear. It took every ounce of self-control not to taste her skin. “When it feels this good without even touching, how could it not be?”

I really loved the way things developed between these two. Yes, there’s some back and forth, but the closeness that develops is so natural! They spend time together, there are sweet touches and meaningful looks, they tease and banter and it effortlessly becomes something emotional as they unintentionally fall into something significant – and really freaking hot.

“I don’t want a fling, Drea … When it gets hard, I want to be there for you ... But that means you have to be there for me when I get hard.”

But their unfolding relationship is complicated. Not only do they both have huge family dramas going on, but the crime Drea witnessed becomes a full-on mystery when she can’t stop thinking about it and involves herself in the investigation. It’s a lot for them both to deal with, and yes, there is some back and forth on both their parts as they struggle to come to terms with all that they are feeling and figure out how that’s going to impact their lives, but it’s mostly short-lived and overcome really well, and they have a truly beautiful romance.

“I know you have stuff you want to work through. But don’t do it without me. Live with me. Grow with me. Let’s figure it out together … Just…be with me ... Please.”

So gorgeous! But for me, this book was brought down because I wasn't a fan of the the mystery/crime storyline running through the book. I thought it was boring, and didn’t really seem to fit, and I would find myself zoning out whenever it came up. Perhaps the author wanted to add a bit of ‘excitement’ to the story, but to me it felt like it added unnecessary drama. I would have been happy to read a book that focussed solely on Cujo and Drea and all that they were going through (because that really is enough) without adding additional characters and twists, and I can honestly say, having just finished the book, I still don’t really understand the ins and outs of it all – and I have no desire to because I really don’t care.

But overall, I did really like this book. Cujo and Drea were great together, and I loved that we got to see a bit of Trent and Harper, and with a bit of teasing leading into Dred and Pixie’s book up next, I’m really excited for that one.

3.5 stars.


An Advanced Review Copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Copy received via netgalley in exchange for an honest review

★Book Basics★

Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 2nd in the series
Love triangle? - No
Cheating? - No
HEA? - Yes
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 3 stars

★Review★

Having read the first book in the series, which I really enjoyed, it was a true emotional journey and despite me having some issues with regards to the writing, my REVIEW for book one here, I was really looking forward to this book.

And while I did enjoy it, I did not love it and had some major issues.

It felt like there was A LOT going on in this book, that actually detracted from the relationship and the emotion. I feel like the book suffered as it had too much packed in. The drama with her mother, his mother, them not liking each other to start, his issues and history, her issues and history etc, then the whole suspense aspect with the fracking drama. In all honesty, I lost track of the whole suspense part, the fracking business, and just who was meant to be who etc. For me, that entire business could have been left out. The author, as she has proved with book 1 can write a truly emotional story, but for some reason in this book felt like she had to add in extra drama to keep readers interested, when it did the opposite. It would have reached another lvl for me, IF she had left out all the extra suspense part, that was superfluous for me, and wrote a story about two people with fears and issues, and getting together despite their lives being in turmoil. I just feel like the author should have had confidence in her ability to write a really good story, without unnecessary drama. As she can write a good story.

Instead the extra drama just served to make Drea seem a bit daft at times, and had me shouting at my kindle so many times "JUST CALL THE BLOODY POLICE WOMAN".





She was getting very close to TSTL territory. And the suspense part of the story relied on some pretty big random coincidences to move it along. Drea just "happening" to be in the right place at the right time.

Also, I am not a huge fan (and this is just a personal preference) of oh so vague and mysterious references to something terrible having happened in the past that makes them feel unworthy of love. This is dual POV and we were in Cujo's head, yet we get vague references to "something" that happened, or his "scar", or how he does not want children, until he actually tells Drea what is going on. But a lot of authors do that. I just do not like it.

However, all in, it is a solid 3 stars, maybe a 3.5, as I enjoyed it, liked how the relationship built and liked the emotional side of it, I just feel like that part that I truly enjoyed was lessened for the sake of a drama that was unnecessary.

But I am looking forward to the next book and will be reading it.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 A Lot to Handle Stars
* * * Spoiler Free
Sometimes the idea of the next book can be better than the actual attempt.
This series has so much going for it and the characters were strong on their own, I felt. What caused a big disconnect and frustration for me was the "Suspense" element. Although I understood the premise and pieces... there were so many parts woven into the dynamic of the personal issues with both of the main characters... it all became a bit too much.

I am still a believer in the series and will continue to read the next installments.

I am betting Pixie and Dred are next

The Strongest Steel (Second Circle Tattoos, #1)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Fractured Heart (Second Circle Tattoos, #2)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Purest Hook (Second Circle Tattoos, #3

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oil and Water...
Not supposed to Mix....

Drea and Cujo...
Cujo and Drea...
Anyway you put them...
Together mad sparks fly...

But is it Attraction or Ornery or Stubbornness...
Will find out soon - they both are working together for their friend's sake....
This ought to be good...

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for review

Yep, I though I would read a couple chapters before going to sleep....3am and I'm done.

No, I haven't read the first one, but I really want to. I wasn't lost at all reading this one.

Cujo/Brody is amazing. Boy has he gone through some junk, but is still amazing and hasn't let it drag him down. Andrea/Drea/Shortcake has had a rough life working multiple jobs and taking care of her dying mom. Then she witnesses a woman being kidnapped, and the kidnappers come back and threaten her. Brody and Drea are hot together even with the emotional angst and each backing off at different times.

I look forward to Dread and Pix's HEA. Now do I have time to read the first one.

[Anna lost in stories *A* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Second Circle tattoo series of contemporary romances but worry not if you are not caught up on the previous one, don't remember the details or just not interested in reading it, so far all the books I read in this series work perfectly well as standalones, so you can start with this one if you feel like it :) yes, you will get more background about the main couple from this story, because we met them both in that first novel, but you get all the necessary informations in here, so again, it's totally up to you about the order of reading :) I fell in love with this series after inhaling "The strongest steel" which is the first book :) after finishing that one I immediately picked up this sequel... if we're being totally honest, I did it so fast mostly because I was more curious about the third book but wanted to read those stories in order, but to my surprise, I really enjoyed the story about Drea and Cujo :) let me tell you more about why is that ;)

I'm gonna start with Brody... yeah, his nickname is Cujo and most people call him that... and by the way, the story behind it is quite hilarious, but I won't spoil you here ;) I will keep calling him by his name though, because that's what Drea does and I really like it, I think it suits him really well :) if you decide to do read that first book, you will get to know them like I did... you will see how he and Drea had this sarcastic banter from the start like they sort of don't like each other, but we all know there's more to that interactions, sizzling underneath all the "insults" ;) you will also mistakenly assume, like I did, that you have both of them pretty much figured out... and yeah, that is soooo not the truth about the situation... because in this installment we get to see much more about them and learn details about both of them... Drea is working two jobs, barely scraping by, taking care of her terminally sick mother... it's a very hard situation, demanding a lot from Drea and it shows... she's constantly in a hurry, tired and exhausted, her live revolving around everyone and everything but herself... she's definitely not interested in a relationship of any sorts, especially with Brody, who she sees as this carefree guy who doesn't take anything and anyone seriously... little does she know, he has a history of his own... his mother left them when he was very young, and he and his brothers were raised by their dad... he takes great care of his family and works very hard as co-owner of businesses, one with his brother and one, the Second Circle tattoo studio, with his best friend Trent :)

Going into this story I did not expect to like them as much as I did in the end... mostly, because I made some assumptions that did not come true at all... :) both of them surprised me with the depths of their characters... and yes, both of them made some decisions I did not agree with at the moment, but I understood where they were coming from... I can't be more specific because it happened closer to the end of the story and would involve spoilers about some stuff, but yeah... their romance was another thing that unfolded in a different way that I expected it to... I knew they have this sparkling chemistry, this push-and-pull sort of situation that I just knew would explode at some point... what I did not expect is how it will evolve after that initial explosion... :) because a similar thing happened as in that first book... two adults actually talked with each other like grown ups... they acknowledged the very hard and complex situation they are in and just... explained things between them :) yes, sure, they both made some mistakes along the way, but it all happened in a realistic way and not in that really annoying I-will-not-talk-with-you-for-months way that always make me hate books... ;) also, what I adored in this book, is that Drea at one point talks about starting therapy to help her deal with the issues with her life and I applaud that soooo much... and it's mentioned like a totally normal thing, which it is, but it's still not that common in books and I loved it here :)

Besides the romance part of the story we also have the more mysterious aspect... at the very begining of the story Drea is a witness to a crime that happens at the coffee shop she works at... the whole situation turns out to be much more complex and dangerous that we think at the beginning, but we uncover all parts of it throughout the whole story so I don't want to get into any more details here... the whole thing is an interesting addition and allows for some definitely dramatic turns of events... but what I feel this book is most about, is family... the one you are related to by blood, and the one you choose for yourself... how friends, true friends, can lift you up and help you when you struggle... how there is kindness in people and how can they surprise you when you don't expect it... I loved certain scenes where they helped Drea... and I know I'm being vague, but I don't want to ruin the surprise and the lovely impact that scene will have on you :) just like with the first book, I adored the relationship between our main couple, as well as all the secondary characters... because once again we have the whole gang from the tattoo studio present here ;) with a few interesting additions ;) now I am even more curious than I was before to get into book #3 which is all about Pixie, the receptionist in the Second Circle and a totally swoonworthy / panty-melting rock star... *fans herself* fingers crossed it's as good as I am hoping it will be, cause my expectations are high ;) in the meantime, I highly encourage you guys to pick up this book, and this whole series in general, just be warned... you might get as addicted to this grup of friends as I did, and in that case you need time to devour all the books ;)

XOXO

A

[Aisling Zena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Maria... · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for Cujo&Drea

I'm kind of disappointed for this book...It was an ok reading...

There were some things that bothered me or didn't match very well....?I thought this was going to be a good reading unfortunately it wasn't....:((((

In this book we were supposed to read about Cujo&Drea's story with the good,the bad and the ugly things...What we got....??????
On the one hand Cujo was perfectly fine with his life,no relationships,no money
problems...nada...
On the other hand Drea was a hot mess....all the problems in the world were laying on her shoulders...she worked really hard to provide her sick mother with medication,she had no life,no desires or dreams...just work,work,work...
I understand that she struggled and didn't have many options...but damn that was really tiring sometimes!And in the middle of that she got involved in a crime and people with guns were after her...WTF...???????????

My thoughts are that too many things were happening at the same time,that I didn't have a clear picture of what the hell was going on...I mean I wanted something simple like Cujo&Drea to find each other and love,fight,have make up sex and all that jazz....I wasn't looking for someone playing Sherlock Holm...
Am I asking too much......???????I don't think so...!!!

Because suddenly they both didn't know what to do with theirselves...I want you...I don't want you...I want to be alone to find myself...and all that!I think Cujo&Drea's characters and story weren't developed as much as I wanted them to be...
The things that I liked were Trent&Harper's love,and some scenes with Cuje&Drea like the one he draw on her body and then had sex...or the tattoo that he did for her...



Enjoy!xxx

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Good : The Strongest Steel was one of the strongest debuts I’d read in 2015, so I was very eager to come back to Second Circle Tattoos and get to know Cujo and Drea, the BFFs of the hero and heroine from the first book.

Drea and Cujo are thrown together to organize an engagement party for Harper and Trent, who are off on a romantic holiday when the story begins. They had butted heads in the earlier book, and their bickering was clearly a part of their sexual tension. They grow closer as Drea finds herself in danger after an attempted kidnapping at the cafe she works at goes horribly wrong. This leads to all sorts of intrigue, which leads to, you guessed it, romance.

While I enjoyed knowing the setup for Second Circle and the friendships, I think it is possible to read this without reading the first book. Drea and Cujo have good chemistry, and there’s certainly good tension between them to build up the romance and once they connect, I started to get into the romance. However...

The Um, Not Great : Unfortunately, the suspense part wasn’t the best. Just trying to summarize the action got complicated and that’s a part of the problem. There are elements that intrigued me, and I enjoyed the fact that something as topical and important as fracking made its way into this story. However, there is a HUGE dependency on coincidences, it was way too easy to figure out the “twist” and it felt like it petered out more than giving a big climactic, and satisfying, conclusion.

Everything in Between : Both Drea and Cujo had flaws that made them relatable, though I tend to think they turned on a dime, Cujo in particular, in their hesitancy to enter into a relationship. Drea was more sympathetic, and her relationship with her mother certainly explained why she struggled with connection and knowing what to do with that kind of intimacy. Cujo’s obstacle is a mystery at first, and even after it comes out, I thought he was a bit too much of a waffler. I like waffles but not in my leading men. As a result, I eventually got to like them together, but Harper and Trent are still head and shoulders above them in the romance department.


I enjoyed it, even if I struggled with the suspense part of this romantic suspense. The series and characters continue to intrigue me, so I’m ready to read more about the Second Circle crew.

**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**

For more reviews, visit

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 21%

I can handle a lot of things but I can't handle stupidity...and unfortunately the main female character in this novel appears to have a bad case of it...

Why you might wonder?

Well if you where held at gun point by a criminal that threatened your family and later found the memory stick (with incriminating evidence) that he was looking for would you...

a) Take the evidence to the police.

b) Start to investigate on your own and contact people you don't know and that could be connected to the person that threatened you?

c) Do nothing...

If your answer is A congratulations...apparently you value your life...

If you chose B, like Drea (the main female character), then all there is left to say is...



So you can imagine why I chose to DNF this book and move on...









Did anyone chose C? :P


*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews I thought I already knew Drea and Cujo (Brody) from their appearances in The Strongest Steel, however, there was so much more to both of them than the bordering on mean teasing, and the way they did their best to stay clear of each other. In The Fractured Heart, I got a very good understanding of why they were both shying away from a relationship. They were both amazing, loyal friends to other people, but they didn't feel like a romantic relationship was for them. Seeing the reasons behind this, through a series of difficult things they had both gone through in the past - and which followed them in the present made me love them even more than I already did.

Drea showed so many different sides of herself, and I think what touched me the most was her vulnerable side. Usually she was hiding that part behind a prickly exterior and some bordering on rude comments - but it was the best way she had found to keep her heart safe. Caring for her mother and holding down two jobs, while also trying to figure out her feelings for Brody, and who the mystery lady who was chased at gun-point through the café made Drea's life extremely busy. And it also made her feel like she didn't even know herself anymore. She couldn't remember the last time she did something because she wanted to do it. Or what kind of things she enjoyed doing if she did have time off from everything else.

Brody was a lot deeper than I had thought, too, and I loved how he thought things through, and how important it was for him to not repeat his parents' past. At times, he acted rashly, but those knee-jerk reactions were the only way he found to deal with everything that could potentially hurt him. The chemistry between Drea and Brody was amazing, and I loved their banter! It was sexy at times, and sassy at others. And they were both brutally honest, even if they sometimes didn't really know what they wanted or how to get about to actually achieve what they were aching for.

The overall storyline was well executed, and I enjoyed that Trent and Harper were a part of the story here, too. The main and sub-plots made it difficult to put my kindle down, I could never find a place where I didn't have the feeling of needing to now what would happen next. All I can say is that I loved The Fractured Heart, and am already impatient for the next installment in this series.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much that I loved about this book -
1. The Hero, Cujo/Brody was fantastic. He wasn't at all what I was expecting. He's so much more than what I thought after reading the first book. He's been through a lot and there is so much about his character that I just loved. He's strong but also sensitive. He was unique in many ways and I think anyone who reads this book will love him.
2. The Heroine, Drea. She has put her life aside to take care of her unappreciative, sick mother. Her life is not easy but she works hard and is a good person.
3. The suspense and mystery. I was taken by surprise by the suspense in this one. It was really good! The focus was still on the romance but the suspense and mystery added a really nice bonus to the story.
4. The romance. There were a lot of really sweet moments and a lot of sexy moments too. These two had great chemistry. There was a little more pushing away than I would've liked but it worked in this story. Both Drea and Brody had complicated lives and I understood both their reasons for pushing away.
5. The writing. I only planned on reading a few chapters before bed. Instead, I ended up staying up late, reading the whole book. I had dreams about the characters and it was the first thing I thought about when I woke up this morning.

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luvd it so much.



This book is the second in the series and it was brilliant. I just luvd everything about it. I was dying to know what was goin happen with Drea and Cujo. There were at each others throat from the very start and just couldn't stop but after spending a lil time together things started to changed. They both found each other very attractive but they just didn't know each others history and why they had walls built up so high.



Cujo is super sexy I really like. This guy as seen and been through so much at a young age. But he as a great family around him that was all he needed. Relationships were not in his list neither were kids. He had his life sorted he had a job he luvd was in business with his brothers and had woman when he wanted them life was good. Until Drea started getting under his skin and got to know why she was so strong minded. But he couldnt do a relationship with her it wouldn't be fair well that's what he thought.



Drea is goin through so much herself she has 2 jobs helps look after her mum and runs the house. So there isn't much time left for Drea to get much time to herself. Her life as been on hold for so long so doesn't even know what she likes. But one thing she does like and that's Cujo even though they can't stop fighting over everything there is just something that is pulling her to him.



This story was addictive once I started I couldn't put it down. There was so much I needed to know. Drea got themselves in some crazy shit. I was worried throughout the whole book about her I just knew something was goin to happen I just didn't know when. This author is really becoming one of my favourites and I ve only read 2 of her books. I luv her writing I just get sucked in so quick. I also luv the characters and I m looking forward to more of these characters. I m really looking forward to Pixie and Dred's story I just know that's goin to be brilliant. I would highly recommend this book. I wish I had read it earlier I m just glad I finally got around to reading it.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - ”Bitter, without a hint of sugar.” Stars.

Unfortunately the second book in the Second Circles Tattoos series fell a little short for me. I really liked that the author managed to pitch the drama and angst of the first book The Strongest Steel just right in that it was relevant to the story between Trent and Harper that was developing, but didn’t overtake everything or weigh it down.

I really struggled with Brody and Drea’s story from the offset to be honest. The drama and angst tipped the scales into ‘overdose’ territory for me, and if I am honest there were just too many things about and people in this story that I didn’t really like.

Scarlett’s writing is as good as it was in the previous book, I just didn’t warm to the characters or the story-line on this occasion.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a side note the cover is hot but take a closer look at his nipples. Pointy bastards. Just sayin!
This is the second book in the Second Circle series. It is Cujo and Drea’s story. I might have done a happy dance and a fist pump when I got my ARC.
Drea Caron comes out swinging most of the time but then again she has been by herself since she has been 17 years old and has been looking after her mother who has cancer. When you meet Roller Rosa her mother you’ll realise why. She is hard working and sassy as well as spunky. She works in the coffee shop, José is like a daughter to her. But she is tired wants help but doesn’t know how to ask for it.
Brody ‘Cujo’ Matthews is a silent partner in Trent’s studio as well as a tattoo artist he also is co-owner of a car garage and helps out with his other brother’s adventure company. He is an all-around good guy. He as most men doesn’t do relationships until he meets Drea. So you think that is the same ole’, same ole’, well your wrong.




I‘m giving it a whopping 4 Shortcake & Brody Stars.

They both meet through Harper and Trent (book one) they have chemistry they don’t want to act on it but there banter interactions are great. They irritate each other but it is more to the fact that they are both stubborn and that they have each for their own reasons for staying alone. They plan Trent’s and Harper’s engagement party and butt heads.

“I thought of an idea for the party that kind of reminded me of you.” It was bait. She knew it. The only way to defend was a pre-emptive strike. “Let me guess. A chocolate fountain.. because too much makes you sickly.” “No. But good one. I was thinking fireworks.” She could see where it was going. “Okay, I’ll bite. Because they’re noisy and unpredictable?” Cujo laughed. “Funny and true. I was thinking more along the lines of they are colourful and vibrant… and beautiful when they explode.”

He wants to stay away and well he does have his reasons and believe me they are valid reasons. He is strong and has overcome a lot. They have their difficulties and when Drea stopped being mad at the world and was vulnerable. When Cujo stopped being a dumbass he is amazing.
At Trent and Harper’s engagement party. He realises that if he doesn’t step up then Drea will be snapped up pretty quick. He takes her home and tells her the truth the next day.

“Tonight, I want to take you home. Peel you out of this incredibly sexy dress while licking you to see if you taste as good as you smell. I’m gonna fuck you and make love to you. Often. Give you multiple reasons why we should do this, before I give you the reason we shouldn’t.”

Drea deals with what Cujo told her as if it would have been any different. One he makes his mind up he is all in.
“I don’t want a fling, Drea … When it gets hard, I want to be there for you … But that means you have to be there for me when I get hard.”

Cujo’s Mum is back after an apparent botched robbery and he doesn’t get that his father stills has feelings for her after so many years. He was abandoned by her as were his younger brothers were as well and she made it out to be his fault. At first I thought that Brody got a vasectomy because of his mum but no it was completely different when he was talking to Trent and when he told Drea.
Promises need to be kept and Brody broke when of his. Cujo has a chance to get to know his mum again whereas Drea’s mum is dying. He wasn’t there for her really when her mum died. But he did make it up to her. But he does redeem himself.
“Sit tight. I’ll come see what you need, then run you to work. We’ll figure it out when I can fit them, then. “Okay?” “Thank you, Brody” “Brody, huh?” “Yeah. But only when you’re nice.”
There is a strong plot to the story. Drea is working late and one of her customers is kidnapped from right in front of her. Drea gets caught up in the environmental assessment, oil company, fraking in the everglades, already two dead, initials of L.A. etc. story and there is a tie to Cujo they just don’t know it yet. The police are involved and Drea has a love interest Detective Ryan Carter. Now I wouldn’t mind at all to read a book about him.
Drea needs to figure things out and who she is before she continues with Brody. Brody didn’t go off on a tangent and drink and fuck. Nope he gave her space and then won her back.

“I know you have stuff you want to work through. But don’t do it without me. Live with me. Grow with me. Let’s figure it out together … Just…be with me, Drea. Please.”

Cujo is tatted and he never tattooed his left arm as he was saving it because it was ring finger that leads to his heart and that is reserved for someone special. And that someone is Drea.



“I love who you were before. I love who you are right now. I’m gonna love you ten years from now. I hope you’re not the same, because it means we’ve grown. I just want to be the one who gets to do it with you.”

Can’t wait for the series to continue.


Book received by St. Martin's Press via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amber .:★Wild Heart Reviews★:. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fractured Heart is the second novel in the "Second Circle Tattoos" series by Scarlett Cole. I'm going to throw out the technical information, before anything else, because I know I'm going to gush over this book. The story is told from a dual third person point-of-view between the main to characters, Drea and Cujo (Brody). There is no cheating, no cliff hanger, and there is an HEA. The Fractured Heart can be read as a standalone novel, you won't miss anything if you read it as such, but I would fully recommend and suggest reading the first book in this series if you haven't.

I've gone back and forth in my head so many times about how I want to write this review, because I don't think anything I say could do this book justice. You're in for a long review! It is one of those books that you have to read for yourself, to understand the impact of it. That leads me to now, sitting here on the day the book releases and still trying to figure out what to say to best review it. The right words to even put out there how much I loved it.

Drea and Cujo's story is hinted at, at the end of the first book in the series, The Strongest Steel .** Since then, I waited with what felt like baited breath for this book. I stalked the author on Twitter, I stalked NetGalley, and it's one I even told my mom about! What happened at the end of this one? Oh, I just want the next book... again.

As with the first book in the series, I'm not going to go into detail on the characters. I don't want to inadvertently give spoilers. I feel as if I'm mimicking my first review by saying that these characters are perfect for each other, however they are not perfect themselves. It is like seeing two pieces of a puzzle click into place. Two very stubborn pieces, at that. You know there could never be a better fit for them, they line up seamlessly and yet with these two characters, they almost fight it.

You would think it was the worlds end because Drea and Brody had to work together. It ended up creating a catchy edge between them. You could feel the chemistry, and the attraction between them, even when they fought. They had to figure out how to work together though and these characters were determined to make things work for their friends. It is conveyed so well that at times I didn't feel like I was reading a book. I felt like I was watching it unfold all on it's own. To that point, I didn't put the book down even once.

Who did I like over the other? I couldn't choose, once again! So I'm going with both. Drea stole my heart with her catchy attitude in the first book. She didn't come off rude, or any such thing but she has plans, and she likes what she likes. Brody's (Cujo) bond with Trent from the first book was so apparent and strong that it was one of those things you just knew. He came off as the funny guy, he made me laugh. Even though he was meant to be this big, bald, intimidating guy. I loved how he and Drea butted heads. In The Fractured Heart you get to see so much more depth with both of these characters. You learn their struggles and hardships, you encounter the danger with them, you learn their fears, and if you're like me, you'll cry with them too. I didn't think I could like either of them -more- than I did when I started this book... it's been proven that I can.

Overall rating, an obvious 5 stars. There are so many reasons to list for this. The writing, the character connection, depth, the plot and story line. Second books in a series can be hit or miss. They can compliment the first book, or completely derail the series. Sometimes you sit and bite your nails waiting for the next book, hoping it's just as good as the first one!

I loved the way the author wove this story. I loved that while it was just as strong as the first book, that it was completely different too! Ms. Cole gave these characters their own book, while still connecting it. Words fail me for ones strong enough to describe how much I enjoyed it, so I'm going with, "Holy wowza! I loved it.". ;)

**If you're curious, you can find my review of The Strongest Steel, by Scarlett Cole here .

[London · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find this book romantic whatsoever. There were just way too many instances where the hero kept pushing the heroine away. There were two particular times where the heroine was in a rather emotionally vulnerable state and because of his own ridiculously selfish and self absorbed reasons he pushed her away.

I couldn't understand why she didn't make him work harder and his hurtful behavior was pushed under the rug too easily. I mean at 70 some odd % I don't want to read about him pushing her away AGAIN because of his fucking mommy issues.

I also found it weird that the other had him receive s text message from a stewardess fuck buddy at 6% to arrange a time to hook up. He confirms and then we don't read about the stewardess again till she calls him when he's in the car with the heroine. He ignores her phone call, HOWEVER, when the heroine asks why doesn't he answer that he just says he will later.

So we never actually find out if he did meet up with her or not. Why the fuck even add that in the book if you aren't going to explain what happened? It pissed me off not knowing if he had slept with her before him and the heroine got together.

Lastly, where the fuck was the romance? The entire romance got lost under the random bullshit drama thrown in the mix. Endless pages about the heroines sick mother,the heroes mother that abandoned him coming back into the picture, the gunman at the coffee shop, all the shit about fracking and environmental blahblahlvah

Who fucking cares. This book needed to focus more on the couple and less on all the external bs because there was no development in their relationship at all. I was confused as to what made them fall in love because I barely read anything romantic between them.

[Svenja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auch der zweite Teil der Reihe hat mir gut gefallen.

Die Autorin schafft es, dass es in einer scheinbar durchschaubaren Geschichte immer wieder kleine Wendungen gibt, die man so nicht erwartet hat.

Zudem sind die Protagonisten einfach mit all ihren Fehlern toll.

Die Bücher sind emotional, süß, heiß und spannend zugleich. Die perfekte Mischung.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seufz...ich mochte die erste Hälfte des Buches so so gerne und die Chemie zwischen den Charakteren war mal wieder großartig.
Aber: das Ende war echt nicht gut. Zu schnell, zu unausgereift. 20 Seiten mehr, mehr Konsequenzen, mehr Erklärungen und es ist super. Aber so...meh.

Dennoch mag ich die Reihe. Super unterhaltsam und süß 💘

[monica ♪ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Fractured Heart
Series: Second Circle Tattoos #2
Author: Scarlett Cole
Release Date: January 5th 2016
Rating: 3 Stars
Cliffhanger: No
Writing Style: Third Person POV
HEA: Yes

MY REVIEW

I hate to say this, but I didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the first book, The Strongest Steel.

The story was too complicated and little bit hard to get into, in my opinion.

The first 30% of the book was good. I liked the banter between Cujo and Drea. In fact, I really liked Drea's character because she was a strong heroine. But after that 'horrible thing' happened in the café Drea works at, my interest in this story was decreased little by little.

That 'Fracking' issue was making this story complicated. It was so confusing at first. I was like 'why the hell this issue pops out all of sudden? What's the correlation with the story?!'
As I read further, I finally could see where this story was heading to.

This book was supposed to be Cajo and Drea's story, right? But I found that the main issue in this book wasn't about them (the main characters), instead it was more about the supporting character's problem

Unlike The Strongest Steel, there were too many things that really pissed me off in this book.

First of all, I HATE Cujo's mother so much!!
A woman who abandoned her family is stupid. A woman who left her husband and 3 little children with an excuse 'I was too young' is even stupider.
If you don't want a family, why the hell did you wait until you have 3 freaking children??!
What she did was unforgivable. I don't give a flying fuck what her excuses are, abandoning a family for more than 20 years and then suddenly come back asking for forgiveness is beyond stupid.



And then there was Drea's mother, who was also getting on my nerves. She was an ungrateful bitch. Her only daughter works so hard night and day just to provide her medical care, but what she could do was complaining about everything instead of thanking Drea for what she has done for the family.



Although I didn't like the mothers, I liked the main characters, Cujo and Drea.

Cujo was a hot tattoo artist who didn't want to settle down. He was a "fuck 'em and leave 'em" kind of guy. Because of his bad experience in the past, he's scared to be abandoned by someone he loves again, until he met Drea.
Cujo was a hot but sweet hero. Even though he didn't melt my heart the way Trent did, but I liked him

It shocked the hell out of me when he revealed his 'biggest secret' to Drea.


I felt like crying because I couldn't believe it



And Drea, she was a very hardworking girl. She was smart, and a very caring person. I liked her character

The sex scenes were super hot


And I loved the cover of this book much!!


I really hope the next book will be much better than this.

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about The Strongest Steel, from how well the plot flowed to the well developed, and extremely likeable characters and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book and I found The Fractured Heart to be just as amazing, if not better than the first in series. Once I started I was totally hooked and had an extremely difficult time putting it down.

Cujo aka Brody had been the guy that interested me the most in The Strongest Steel, he was charming, sexy had a wicked sense of humor and a protective streak a mile wide and I loved seeing all that more in this book. Learning about his past and what made him tick had me wanting to give him a hug, even as I wanted to Gibbs smack him, because of the cage he’d put himself in. Were his issues warranted and heartbreaking? Yes, but after witnessing him with his nieces I could see the man he could be if only he let himself.

Drea, spunky, sassy, determined and, outside of Cujo, I swear has the patience of a saint. Going into this I knew her life was not all wine and roses, though the woman put on a great front, but good God what she goes through with her mother truly has me wanting to nominate her for sainthood because while she wished her life had turned out differently, she never whined about it outloud. There may have been a pity party or two going on in her head, but she kept it there and did what was necessary to make ends meet, even when the floor gave out from under her.

There was no denying that sparks would fly, sexual or otherwise, when Cujo and Drea occupied the same space, nor that they’d face quite a few bumps in the road considering that they had both put themselves in their own forms of purgatory, so to be able to witness them coming to terms with not only how they felt about each other, but themselves through the process, was a true delight. Each step, whether it be heartwrenchingly painful or sweet and sexy, proved that they are definitely better together.
As with the first book, I felt that the writing was engaging and flowed well and I loved how the characters, both main and secondary, came to life on the page. These are all people that you can believe are a tight knit group of friends, and family, and I want to spend time with them and get to know better as the series progresses, but what I think was actually done better in this book than in the first is the whole mystery/suspense aspect of it. The abduction of the woman from the cafe and the various twists and turns that came out of it were tighter and really added another layer to Cujo and Drea’s story, both to show the kind of people they are as well as help their relationship evolve, because they were intimately involved in it from the beginning. Now, I have to admit that I figure a few things out, but I loved the anticipation of waiting to see when everyone else would and what their reactions were going to be.

The Bottom Line: This series is just getting better with each book and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Cole has in store for Dred and Pixie!

~ ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 don't you know all creative types have a VIVID imagination stars. The first book in the series is where we meet Cujo as Trent's best friend and partner at Second Circle Tattoos. He's cocky, loyal, fun-loving, and protective. We also meet Drea in the first book as she's Harper's best friend.While Harper and Trent are on the fast track to marriage, Drea and Cujo are responsible for putting together their engagement party and sparks do fly.



Drea didn't have time to go to college because she was stuck taking care of her mother and providing a roof over both of their heads. She works multiple jobs in order to live. She's hardworking, honest, loyal, sweet and in serious need of love and care. She can't help but be attracted to Cujo but knows she should stay away from him.

Cujo loves his life but there are parts of it that led him to be who he was including a run in with cancer in his teens and his mother taking off . He works hard, is loyal to those he cares about, and is extremely sexual. It is really easy to like Cujo and even more so when he goes out of his way to help and take care of Drea.

The two struggle with their attraction, being together and all the other things life throws at them. The story is about learning to forgive, learning to accept help and learning to let others love you and give love. The novel is decently paced, there's no rush to the finish line but there's also no dragging. I liked Cujo from the first book and am glad to really see him in this one. The way he lives his life makes sense given what he has dealt with and gone through. I remember Drea vaguely and really enjoyed seeing all her sides and shades.

[Alyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fractured Heart is the second book in Scarlett Cole's Second Circle Tattoos series. It is also the first book I've ever read by this author. I didn't feel like I lost any aspect of Cujo and Drea's story by not reading the first book where they were secondary characters. But I am planning on going back and reading the first book of the series.

Andrea "Drea" Caron is tired and broke. She has been taking care of her ill mother for over 10 years, while putting her own life on hold. She doesn't have enough time in the day to take of everything, especially herself. She's working two jobs to barely make ends meet. So she doesn't have the time or patience to deal with Brody "Cujo" Matthews while planning her best friend's engagement party.

After having a tough childhood, Cujo likes to keep his life simple. He loves his work at Second Circle Tattoos, he is loyal to his friends and family, and has a parade of flight attendants calling for a good time whenever they have a layover in Miami. He certainly doesn't want to deal with the "high maintenance" Drea Caron.

But after these two share a potential life-threatening situation, they learn that first impressions aren't always correct.

I really liked both these characters and enjoyed "watching" them go from constantly bickering to friendly to really falling for each other. My heart went out to Drea and how lost she felt in her life and was determined to find out more about herself and what she wanted with her life. And Cujo really grew as a person for me. Yes, there were times where I wanted to smack him silly, but he fully acknowledges his insecurities (eventually) and works to overcome them.

The one thing that I wish was different about this book was the AMOUNT of drama that Cujo and Drea faced. They had enough drama in their own personal lives. I felt that the outside drama was just too much and took away from the characters story. Other than the outside drama, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

Rating: 4 out of 5

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**

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[☆.。.:*・°☆Love2Read♡HEAs☆.。.:*・°☆ {Anne} · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 "Cujo-riffic" Stars

Read this just because Cujo's in it. He's every girl's dream guy, inside and out! ALPHA but SWEETHEART too. You're gonna love him.

[Alina · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book tells the story of Brody "Cujo" , a tattoo artist who is in search for answers about his mother who left when he was eight years old..
"It reminded me of you...bitter, without a hint of sugar." - Brody

And Drea , a hard working girl who tries to take care of her sick mother.
"For us to work, I need to come to you whole. Not in pieces, expecting you to be the glue." - Drea

The characters were alright., the plot was a little bit tangled and somehow you need to try and keep up with all the subjects. The author tried to blend in a romance story (between Brody and Drea) , crime/ mystery (the abduction of the woman from the cafe store, Brody trying to find answers about his mother), detective / police (Drea trying to help find the missing woman and making her own investigations ) and also keep up with the romance story between the second characters ( Harper and Trent from book one, The strong steel ).All in one book! It is difficult to pull up such a mix and it didn't quite worked out for me.

I did enjoyed the story and I really want to give it more stars but the rating will remain to 3, maybe 3.5 stars. Another reason would be because in some parts of the plot there are some mistakes and characters/ situations tend to contradict - like the part when Drea notice that the internet was down and doesn't remember when was the last time she paid the bill, yet she goes online and makes some research. Then the second morning she was glad that the internet was back and the company didn't cut her off.